Musk’s Cybertruck U-turn Sparks Backlash as Production Nears End
WHO:
The Verge - Troy Meekhof, known online as “The Cybertruck Guy,” criticized Tesla’s decision to wind down Cybertruck production.
The Verge - Elon Musk announced the production wind-down and has promoted Tesla’s future around the Cybercab and humanoid robots.
The Verge - Tesla, Cybertruck owners and fans, Tesla investors, and online supporters are involved in the backlash.
The Verge - Unplugged Performance, an aftermarket-accessories company, offered to produce the Cybertruck and other vehicles on its platform under license, with investor funding.
The Verge - An X user posting as @TeslaXplored criticized the decision to make room for the Cybercab.
Mashable - Tesla is winding down Cybertruck production but plans to continue making the trucks longer than originally anticipated.
WHAT:
The Verge - Tesla plans to end Cybertruck production by the end of summer 2027; Musk extended the wind-down from an original plan to begin in spring.
The Verge - Meekhof said Tesla did not do enough to make the Cybertruck successful, citing little advertising, confusing pricing changes, and a shift in focus before it could establish itself in the market. He said, “It feels like they didn’t try to make Cybertruck a success.”
The Verge - Meekhof called replacing the Cybertruck with the Cybercab “an absolutely terrible idea,” citing the Cybercab’s software and regulatory constraints.
The Verge - Tesla discontinued the Model S and Model X. After the Cybertruck ends, the Model 3 and Model Y will be the only Tesla vehicles available for consumer purchase; the Semi is commercial, and the Cybercab’s consumer availability is uncertain.
The Verge - @TeslaXplored said, “Taking away consumer cars instead of building what the people want will be the end of Tesla!” and called the Cybercab rationale a “lame excuse.”
The Verge - Musk said the Cybertruck’s order rate “far exceeds our production rate,” that Tesla would make as many as possible before shutting down the line in “about 8 months,” and that it would have to return many deposits.
The Verge - Musk initially projected annual Cybertruck sales of 250,000–500,000. Tesla is estimated to have sold about 20,000 last year and is on track to sell fewer this year.
The Verge - Musk wrote that the Cybercab “will do a majority of all passenger miles in any jurisdiction where it is not prohibited by law.”
The Verge - @TeslaXplored claimed there are about 500 Cybercabs in one city and said only Tesla influencers are riding in them.
WHERE:
The Verge - Tesla plans to make room for Cybercab production at Giga Texas.
The Verge - @TeslaXplored referred to about 500 Cybercabs operating in one city, which the article did not name.
WHEN:
The Verge - Cybertruck production is expected to wind down by the end of summer 2027.
The Verge - Musk said the production line would shut down in “about 8 months.”
The Verge - Meekhof’s YouTube video criticizing the decision runs 33 minutes.
WHY:
The Verge - Musk’s stated reason for ending Cybertruck production is to make room at Giga Texas for the fully autonomous Cybercab.
The Verge - Musk denied that the Cybertruck was being discontinued because it was unprofitable.
The Verge - Meekhof and other Tesla supporters argued that Tesla’s lack of advertising, confusing pricing changes, and shift in focus hindered the truck’s prospects.
HOW:
The Verge - Unplugged Performance said it could continue Cybertruck and related-platform vehicle production under license, with investors funding the effort.
Mashable - Tesla will continue producing Cybertrucks beyond its initially planned wind-down schedule.
(UPDATED November 13, 2026 02:05 UTC)
Tesla plans to end Cybertruck production by summer 2027, making room for its Cybercab. Tesla says the truck isn’t unprofitable, but critics blame weak promotion and shifting priorities. An aftermarket company offered to build Cybertrucks under license, with investor backing.